Team GB diver Chris Mears visited his former primary school, Garland in Burghfield Common, last year

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A Commonwealth Games diving hopeful from Burghfield Common is reportedly stranded in Russia after making a splash at the World Cup in Shanghai.

Chris Mears, 21, was competing with synchro partner Jack Laugher in China where the pair finished fifth in the three metre final with a score of 411.81.

Earlier this afternoon, Mr Mears, who is travelling back to the UK with fellow Team GB divers including Olympian Tom Daley, tweeted that he is stranded in Russia after the Virgin Atlantic plane carrying the athletes had to make an emergency landing in the city of Irkutsk yesterday.

Mr Mears tweeted: “We were scheduled a 48hr rest period with our families before headed to the Commonwealth Games on Weds. Instead we’re now stranded in Russia.”

A Virgin spokeswoman said: “Virgin Atlantic can confirm that the VS251 travelling from Shanghai to London Heathrow has diverted to Irkutsk Airport, Russia, as a precautionary measure due to a technical issue. Safety and security is always our top priority.

“The aircraft is currently on the ground and our customers are being looked after by our cabin crew. Our priority now is to ensure our customers resume their journey as soon as possible.

“The airline would like to thank passengers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”